How to Lubricate Vertical Blinds

by Kristine Tucker

Clean the headrail before lubricating.

If your real estate investment has vertical blinds on any windows or doors, the blinds can age over time and become increasingly difficult to open and close. If the blinds, clips and hardware aren't damaged, you can lubricate the tracking mechanism to increase functionality. More than likely, the actual vertical blinds are working properly, but the tracking system that attaches the blinds to the window has deteriorated.

1

Clean the headrail on the vertical blinds with a feather duster or a damp cloth. Lubricating the mechanism won't work effectively if the components are dust-filled. Wipe the duster or damp cloth along the tracking mechanism on the underside of the headrail. If possible, slide all of the vertical blinds to one side to clean the tracking system and then slide them to the other side to clean the entire track. Avoid using harsh chemicals like bleach or ammonia to clean the area.

2

Insert the thin straw, usually red, that attaches to your silicone lubricant spray. Lightly spray silicone along the tracking mechanism. Spray silicone down the track to lubricate all the track gears. Use short quick sprays rather than long extended sprays to reduce the amount of excess silicone along the headrail.

3

Apply silicone lubricant to the inner portion of the headrail if you can access the area. Avoid removing the tracking system because it's cumbersome and difficult to reinstall. Wipe excess silicone off the headrail and blinds with a clean cotton cloth or soapy water. Repeat the steps if the blinds don't function properly.

Things You Will Need

Silicone lubricant spray

Thin open-ended straw

Soft cloth

Tip

Replace the clips that attach vertical blinds to the tracking system if they appear damaged or broken. Most clips are made from plastic, cardboard or metal and can be purchased from the manufacturer or from a hardware store.

Warning

Avoid overspraying the hardware and tracking system with silicone, or unsighly residue could blemish the wall. Use painter's tape to attach plastic sheeting or towels to the wall if you're concerned about excessive spray.

About the Author

Kristine Tucker has been writing education, career, home and parenting articles since 2001. Her experiences at "The Athens Messenger" and as an English teacher, curriculum developer and Vice-President of an energy consulting firm paved the way for her writing career. Tucker has a degree in political science with a minor in international studies and holds Ohio teaching credentials.

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